In order to secure for the people of the State of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of areas having 1 or more of the characteristics referred to in § 7302(5) of this title, the State, acting through the Department, shall acquire and hold in trust for the benefit of the people an adequate system of nature preserves for the following uses and purposes:
(1) For scientific research in such fields as ecology, taxonomy, genetics, forestry, pharmacology, agriculture, soil science, geology, conservation, archaeology and other subjects;
(2) For the teaching of biology, natural history, ecology, geology, conservation and other subjects;
(3) As habitats for plant and animal species and communities and other natural objects;
(4) As reservoirs of natural materials;
(5) As places of natural interest and beauty;
(6) As living illustrations of our natural heritage wherein one may observe and experience natural biotic and environmental systems of the earth and their processes;
(7) To promote understanding and appreciation of the scientific, educational, esthetic, recreational and cultural values of such areas by the people of the State;
(8) For the preservation and protection of nature preserves against modification or encroachment resulting from occupation, development or other use which would destroy their natural or esthetic conditions.
In order to give recognition to natural areas, the Department shall establish and maintain a registry of natural areas of unusual significance, but no area so registered shall be a nature preserve unless and until it shall have been dedicated as provided for in § 7306 of this title.